Welsh Secretary: Modern rail network 'crucial' for Wales

The Welsh Secretary, David Jones, has expressed his pleasure at today's Network Rail announcement.

Mr Jones described a modern rail network in Wales as "crucial" for the growth of the country's economy.

As a regular rail user, I know that the re-signalling of many rail lines across Wales can only be good news for all passengers and I am particularly pleased that the important north-south line links will be some of the first to be upgraded. The Newport to Shrewsbury re-signalling also marks the start of the build programme for electrification of South Wales mainline which we announced last year.

– David Jones MP, Welsh Secretary

He also welcomed news that the mainline between London and Cardiff will be electrified by 2018.